R.J. Layher has recently joined the American Horse Council as the Director of Health and Regulatory Affairs. His responsibilities will include equine health issues, welfare issues, and state, federal and international requirements regarding the movement of horses. He will be the principal AHC contact to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“It’s great to be part of an organization that understands the importance horses play in our country. I look forward to advocating on behalf of the horse industry to preserve this robust and dynamic facet of the agricultural economy that it is today,” Layher said.

Mr. Layher grew up on a family farm in Southeast Michigan and graduated from Hillsdale College in 2010 with a degree in Political Economy. Before coming to Washington, he managed a Michigan State House campaign and spent time in Oklahoma, Kansas, Minnesota and the Dakotas where he worked for a custom harvester. Most recently, he was a Legislative Assistant for retired Congressman Timothy V. Johnson of Illinois.

“We are pleased to have R.J. join the AHC staff,” said AHC President, Jay Hickey. “He brings political experience and enthusiasm to this important position.”Link to article on AHC website

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. The AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.